Looking for a refreshing escape from the sun in the South of France? Here are the best places for canyoning in the Cévennes.
Situated between the Gard and Lozère departments, the Cévennes are a mountain range forming part of the Massif Central. Formed by numerous steep-sided valleys, the area is also famous for its waterways. The Tarn and Jonte rivers rise on Mont Lozère and Mont Aigoual respectively. They have carved veritable canyons between the Causses Noir, Méjean and Sauveterre. Today, these are known as the Gorges du Tarn and the Gorges de la Jonte.
This fabulous natural area lends itself particularly well to canyoning. This outdoor sport involves moving along the bed of rivers with varying flow rates. Physically, it’s easy: canyoning in the Cévennes is always done in the direction of the water flow! In addition to the thrills of whitewater sports, you can also learn climbing techniques.
Would you like to abseil down a steep cliff? Generation Voyage invites you to discover this fun, sporty activity that lets you enjoy a splendid natural setting.
1. Tapoul gorge
Photo credit: Instagram – cedric_vly
Level: not very difficult
Duration: 2h30
Preferred period: April to September
Generation Voyage takes you to the village of Rousses for the top spot. Canyoning in the Cévennes is a unique experience! You’ll be descending the majestic Tapoul canyon, considered the wonder of the Aigoual. It’s very popular with canyoning enthusiasts from all over France and even further afield.
A shuttle service (€3.50 per person) is available to shorten the approach walk. The Tapoul canyon is a myriad of waterfalls, jumping promontories, slides and zip lines. The water is cool and unusually clear. Don’t worry, obstacles can be avoided and jumps made if you don’t feel like it.
Oh, and one last thing: you can combine this activity with the Tapoul via ferrata. You’ll get a substantial discount.
2. Tines
Photo credit: Instagram – lizzieheadd
Level: easy
Duration: 2h30
Ideal period: April to end of June
The village of Tines, in the foothills of the Cévennes, is very attractive in its own right. What’s more, it includes a small introductory canyon. It’s very easy to navigate and measures around 300 metres! It’s an easy canyon, ideal for family canyoning in the Cévennes. Fun slides, invigorating jumps and rocky sections are suitable for everyone. The water is a pure pleasure to dive into. It’s never cold! We recommend a few minutes in the « giant kettles » carved out of granite. These natural water basins are local treasures.
Note that the Tines canyon generally stops flowing in July. The activity is therefore best enjoyed in late spring or June. For example, why not take advantage of the May vacations to go there?
3. Aumessas
Photo credit: Instagram – malcomelprofe
Level: fairly difficult
Duration: 4h30
Preferred period: July, August
Canyoning in the Cévennes at the Aumessas canyon is a must for everyone. It’s one of the best-known canyons in the region, not least because it’s one of the longest. Just think: almost a thousand meters long in over four hours! It’s a real hike in the heart of an exceptional natural setting.
Quite technical, it has the added advantage of being very wild and less frequented than the others. With little in the way of artificial infrastructure, this sublime goulot is essentially made up of abseils under waterfalls. Yes, you’ll literally be rinsed out by this aquatic endurance course. It’s best reserved for sporty types or those in good physical condition.
For the others, there are escape routes that allow them to bypass the most demanding obstacles. Then, if they take them, they’ll overtake the group and be able to rest in the rocky basins… Don’t hesitate, come and visit us in summer for unforgettable adventures.
4. Soucy Canyon
Photo credit: Shutterstock – CELINE NAEGELEN
Level: not very difficult
Duration: 3 h 30
Preferred period: June, July, August
Yes, it’s possible to canyoneer in the Cévennes at Soucy Canyon without any worries. Well, it was easy, but certainly as easy as this aquatic hike in Saint-Jean-du-Gard. The site is particularly well known for its unusual geological features, the gours. It’s easily accessible from Anduze. What’s more, why not complete the canyon descent with a hike in the Gard hinterland?
The starting point is the picturesque Roman bridge at Soucy. The route is fairly easy, except in two places where you can jump from a height of some ten meters! The course is half a kilometer long and takes a good three hours to complete. Your instructor will know how to push you to the limit… or, if need be, show you which way to go to avoid panic.
Go for it!
5. Tarn springs
Photo credit: Shutterstock – RobArt Photo
Level: easy
Duration: 2 h 30
Preferred period: June and September
When, and above all where, can you go canyoning in the Cévennes and get close to nature? Our advice: come in June and September to explore the springs of the Tarn, equipped with your harness and wetsuit! The site is one of the most popular in the region, so we recommend avoiding the peak summer season (July and August). But what a spectacle it is: it’s easy to see why visitor numbers are so high!
Canyoning in the springs of the Tarn river is easy, and novices will get their money’s worth. After a short 20-minute approach walk through the high forest, you’ll arrive in the area. Geographically, you’ll find yourself above the pretty village of Pont de Montvert. Swimming sections, easy jumps and breaks in natural pools are on the menu. Come and discover it with your family, you’ll be thrilled!
6. Canyon des cascades d’Orgon
Photo credit: Instagram – terranovadavid
Level: fairly difficult
Duration: 3 hours
Preferred period: May, June, July
Les Cascades d’Orgon is one of the most famous canyoning spots in the Cévennes. This is largely due to the fact that the exceptionally aesthetic site in the Gard region was featured on the France 2 TV program « Les carnets de l’Aventure ». Sorry, Antenne 2, at the time…
The latter has made a major contribution to the development of this discipline, bringing it to the attention of the general public. And that’s just as well, otherwise the Orgon canyon might have remained in the shadows, and you wouldn’t have had the chance to explore it. The canyon is almost two kilometers long and comprises a series of more or less overhanging waterfalls. It also includes a number of memorable slides, such as Icare’s slide, which allows you to jump into a kettle.
This sunny canyon is ideal for the early season, until early August. After this date, the water flow is no longer sufficient for fun!
7. The Bramabiau canyon
Photo credit: Wikipedia – Lucas Vogel
Level: not very difficult
Duration: 3 hours
Ideal period: all summer
What fabulous beauty! The nature around the Bramabiau Canyon is fantastic. In fact, it’s right in the middle of the Cévennes National Park. The descent is great fun and not very technical. That said, regulations governing the protected area limit the number of participants and groups. As a general rule, the descent of the Bramabiau is forbidden on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Canyoning in the Cévennes on this site involves two distinct sections. The first is more like a water hike, while the second is more challenging. It’s the latter that offers the most thrills: jumps, slides and abseils. The water is warm enough and the sun, unhindered by the sparse trees, is just right. We recommend it for families with children or groups of novices who just want to have fun. It takes three hours to complete the course.
8. Roujanel Canyon
Photo credit: Instagram – nicoo_sancho
Level: difficult
Duration: 4 hours
Ideal period: June, July, August, September
Pied-de-Borne, in Lozère, is one of the best places for canyoning in the Cévennes. The route we propose is a complete activity. It starts with an approach hike under a chestnut grove. The first part is very steep, followed by a second, simpler section. But the latter will require you to jump between two and eight meters high on numerous occasions!
The difficult rating is due to the first part, which offers no escape, and the flow, which can generate siphons. What’s more, the high flow generates a few difficult-to-detect siphons. This splendid river, on the border between theArdèche and Lozère regions, flows with water of great purity.
We advise you to be in good physical shape and/or to have already practiced this sport to try Roujanel. But once you’re in, you’ll find it so satisfying to evolve in such a magnificent natural environment!
Practical information
Rates
Canyoning in the Cévennes is free with your own equipment. If you choose to hire a company, expect to pay between €40 and €80 per person. These prices include access to the site and equipment hire (helmet, wetsuit in your size, carabiners, harness…). These prices are fairly similar, whatever the spot you choose.
Additional information
Here is some additional information before you decide to go canyoning in the Cévennes :
- It’s essential to know how to swim. The water can be fast-paced;
- Don’t forget sunscreen and a bottle of water. And in summer, don’t do the tour during the hottest hours of the day;
- This sporting activity is subject to weather conditions. Your course may be closed if, for example, heavy rain suddenly increases the water flow;
- Make sure you wear comfortable, sturdy clothing. Shoes must have good grip on wet rock, be closed-toe and provide good ankle support;
- A full neoprene wetsuit, neoprene socks, helmet, abseiling ropes and harness are essential. If you hire a company, the specific equipment will of course be provided;
- If you’re a minor, you’ll needparental permission. Canyoning can be done from the age of 8. In some cases, a medical certificate may be required if you are over 55. If you have no contraindications (osteoarthritis, diabetes, heart problems, pregnancy or epilepsy), you’re all set;
- Follow the instructions carefully to make the most of this extraordinary moment!
You are prêts à partir à l’assaut des canyons cévenols!